I’ve been out of sorts over the past couple of weeks.
First I took a tumble at the pub – I missed a step and fell on my tailbone, which still hurts three weeks later, and no, I wasn’t drinking.
Then I had an allergic reaction to something and broke out in contact dermatitis all over my face and neck, so I’ve been itching for the past two weeks. (And yes Mum, I did go to the doctor.)
Then I had a sore throat and had to have a COVID19 test. Well, I didn’t have to have one, but in our wonderful state, they’re asking anyone with even the mildest symptoms to be tested. It was very easy to do at the drive through clinic five minutes from home and I had the negative result back that night.
There’s more, but I’ll spare you. Needless to say, I’ve been grumpy and not in the best blogging mindset.
So I thought I’d just show you what I’ve been making. And I’m sorry it’s more quaft, but at the moment, I’m just sitting on my (sore) arse and watching reality tv shows about zoos and Alaskans and old episodes of Top Gear and making things. It’s very therapeutic!
First I made a squillion more pincushions and gave them all to Pauline at the Sewing Basket Balmain. She’s selling them at the counter and all funds raised will go to support Achieve Australia disability services, so if you’d like one, please pop in to visit her…
I made three from some denim jeans pockets leftover from my aprons…
Pauline gave me some hessian to play around with, so I made pumpkins. For no reason whatsoever…
Then I made an entire pumpkin patch…
I’m working on hessian potscrubbers – if they’re successful, I’ll write them up. I’ve been trying to figure out an eco-friendly version for a while now.
As I sit and stitch, I’ve been self-medicating with a cheerful mix of Grand Marnier and Cognac (equal parts), sipped from my little fish cup…
And I’ve been mending pants.
Carol’s son Justin insists on stashing his water bottle in his back pocket, so it’s always tearing. It was easier to mend it by hand than machine, as the repair needed to be as close to invisible as possible…
And my neighbour Robbie somehow managed to put a ten inch split down the back of his otherwise new pants. I machine-stitched the split together (using my favourite feather stitch) and then reinforced it with a piece of cotton lace which we rescued from Norma’s wheely bin after she died, making this a proper in-street repair…
So that’s where I’m at right now, folks. Hopefully I’ll have something more interesting to share with you soon, but I just wanted to touch base and let you know that I’m still here. I hope you’re all staying well and safe and happy! ♥
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 
I’m sorry you’re out of sorts Celia, and hope you feel better soon. While making masks today, I realised how badly I need a proper pincushion which doesn’t slip away as I try to put in a pin! I’m going to try and make one of yours – I’m in Melbourne so unfortunately can’t go and buy one of yours. I hope things perk up soon 🥰
Cheer up Celia, reading your blog is always inspiring – wish we could inspire you more. Your Pumpkins are brilliant. Love them.
Oh dear a sore bum is indeed a trial. After the birth of my eldest son in 1970 I was offered a donut cushion to sit on in bed and very nice it was too. After lots stitches in the nether regions Zi needed help. The cushion was just a rubber donut with just a little inflation designed to keep the sore lady bits of the bed with a bit of air in between. Do try it. Birthing also bruised my tailbone so I used the cushion for months long after the other wounds healed.
I hope that you recover quickly, Celia. And your mending never ceases to amaze.
Lordy, Celia! I hope you get your tailbone – and spine – x-rayed. I had a fall on my tailbone about a year ago and am having ‘bother’ with my back now, sometimes I can’t sit without pain. Peter has built me a wonderful contraption to help with exercise. I do hope your itchy woes and sore bum get better soon.
PS: i love your pumpkins and your remedy too :)
Oh for some stuff from your ‘fish bowl’ :) You may be down but you are not OUT! great inspirational stuff you are doing. Never denigrate what you do! Love from here. Ouch for the tailbone, if you had been drinking you might not have even noticed!
Hope you and your arse are feeling better
Gorgeous pumpkins and a very fun post.
So sorry, Celia. I second the recommendation for the donut to sit on. My tailbone hurt so bad at one time, I used one in the car on a long road trip. Was a saving grace. Pincushions are lovely! Wish I could get one, but it’s a bit too far to travel. LOL. Take care.
Hope you feel better soon.
You have certainly kept yourself busy while being out of sorts.
You poor Darling … I was almost killed by a very heavy Potrack which gave way .. crashing loudly to the floor with Le Creuset pots and heavy expensive French Cookware plus other Weaponry a split second after I walked under it , missing me by millimeters.. it’s scared the bejeesuz out of me as I live alone and later I got a bit of a case of the shakes when I realised I would have been lying in the kitchen floor bleeding heavily with not a soul to know and come to my rescue … PHEW !!!! At 73 I dont need shocks like this … a quick trip to the Bottle shop did the trick !!! 🙏🏻
Hessian pumpkins inspired by Cognac & Grand Marnier! Sounds like where I’ve been at for a while now (well, not the drink actually, though I could do with some). Hope your injuries etc. are improving, if only partially through your “medicine”. I do think it’s cathartic to air frustrations and maybe have a giggle as a result.
Sorry you’ve been having a hard time lately. This may not be your thing, but Hypericum as a homeopathic medicine is almost specific for pain in coccyx due to fall or injury.
The pin cushions are gorgeous. Do you have a pattern or instructions for them?
Yes, if you put pin cushion into the search box, my tutorial will come up!
I’m sorry Celia for all the bad stuff and the pain you’re going through. Praying for a quick recovery. Love love LOVE your creativity!!
I literally laughed out loud as I read about your Hessian pumpkin and then scrolled down to see your pumpkin patch! Why make one or two when a whole patch us calling you?! I can so relate! I hope your bruises are soon a distant memory and that you find some happy pants to water instead of grumpy ones. At least you are productive when grumpy!
Thank you for your beautiful pincushions and the mending you did is incredible. I hope you heal quickly from your hurt tailbone. I’m sure going to have to try sipping on your concoction also. Can’t hurt!
yikes! Sorry for all that mess! I also fell straight down on my tailbone and I used NOW brand Arnica oil… warming massage oil or something.. just whatever Arnica I had and I used it every time I went to the bathroom or had my britches off or down and it was incredibly better in days. So TRY IT!! It’s on Amazon and its amazing on every muscle or bruise. Not for open sores, for the other dings and bumps and sprains. Thank you for sharing all your goodness btw!
Oh I love your posts and repairs, it cheers my soul 😊 I am inspired to have a go at your pumpkins 🎃
Your pin cushions and pumpkins are works of art Celia. Sorry you’ve been having a rough spell. I like your cure of cognac and Grand Marnier, it doesn’t seem to have had any effect on your mending or stitching.
I’m completely craftless but love your blog and your creativity. Take it easy and get well.
If it’s not one thing it’s another but seeing posts and pics from you… a glimpse through a window into a life that isn’t my own really helps ♡